8.09.2012

Fast Weeknight Dinners

Hi Everyone, Just wanted to share a couple of dinners that have turned out fabulously this last week - my definition of fabulous is CHEAP, FAST (under 20 mins) and moderately HEALTHY. Also, did it get eaten? Yes! If it hits all these marks, we have a winner! This week's winners I would love to share with you -

1. Linguine con vongole (pasta with clams)
This is an old family favorite, and it goes like this: Boil salted water for the linguine. You could use spaghetti, or fettucine, but it would not be the same. In another little pot, dump two cans of chopped clams AND their juice, a couple glugs of a cheap, dry white wine, (I used the Beringer Pino Grigio and it turned out great) about three tablespoons of butter, a smashed clove of garlic. Bring it up to a boil then let this simmer while the noodles boil, about 6 minutes. You're reducing it to concentrate flavor. When the noodles are al dente, scoop out about 1/4 cup of the pasta water, drain the noodles, and add them to the simmering sauce. Turn it off, and put the pasta water, a handful of chopped parsley, and a good 1/4 to 1/3 cup grated parmesan in the pot and stir it up. Done! It should be brothy - serve with crusty bread to soak up that good juice. Buon appetito!

2. Grilled Veggies with Farfalle and Herb Vinaigrette
Any veggies you have on hand will work, we had a little piece of chicken, some zucchini, an ear of corn, a couple orange peppers, and a tomato. I bet eggplant, onion, and mushroom would work great in this dish, and skip the chicken if you're going meatless (but add some pinenuts for protein.) Fire up your grill and char the veggies, (except the tomato). Meanwhile, boil some salted water and cook your bowtie pasta - 7 or 8 minutes should do it. To make the dressing, mix the juice and zest of one lemon, a couple glugs of good olive oil, a couple glugs of balsamic vinegar, and a handful of chopped fresh herbs. I had basil, parsley, cilantro and mint. If you just have one, choose basil. Put some grinds of black pepper in the dressing if you like it, and whip it up with a fork. Chop the grilled meat and veggies, toss with the pasta, and drizzle the herb vinaigrette over.That's all! Enjoy with a little parmesan on top.

With this heat, we've been trying not to heat up the kitchen too much and these 15 minute meals are helping our cause. What's your go-to summertime weekday dinner?